The number of immigration absconders fluctuates, but was as high as 56,000 in 2017.
The Home Office said the 12-month pilot, which began on Wednesday, will test whether electronic monitoring is an effective way to give immigration bail to those who arrive in the country using "unnecessary and dangerous" routes such as small boats across the Channel or in the backs of lorries.
The plan drew criticism from the Refugee Council, which said it was treating asylum seekers as criminals.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended the tagging plan, saying it was essential people who arrived illegally were not simply able to disappear.
Speaking to reporters at RAF Brize Norton after returning from Ukraine, the Prime Minister said: "This is a very, very generous, welcoming country.
This story is from the June 19, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
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This story is from the June 19, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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